PADUCAH, Ky. (8/19/13) – Ballard County resident Chelsey Childress has been named the July Student of the Month at West Kentucky Community and Technical College.

Becoming an elementary school teacher is what Childress has wanted to do since she was in elementary school herself. Childress, 19, is dedicated to reaching her goal, and got a head start when she began taking dual classes at West Kentucky Community and Technical College as a junior at Ballard Memorial High School in 2011.

After graduation from high school last May, Childress continued her education at WKCTC, majoring in elementary education.

“I am honored to be Student of the Month because that means I must be doing something right,” said Childress.

The Student of the Month program is designed to recognize the accomplishments of students on campus. Individuals selected must be currently enrolled at WKCTC and have maintained a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or higher and are nominated on the basis of exceptional performance, personal attributes, academic excellence and active participation in various student organizational activities.

Childress volunteers in several areas in the community including helping teach children at a local dance studio.

Influenced by her mother, who is a preschool teacher, Childress has been around children most of her life, and it shows in her chosen career and outlook on education.

“Chelsey is a great leader who is wonderful with children and has a true spirit and value for education,” said Dr. Belinda Dalton-Russell, WKCTC vice president of student development. “She is an enthusiastic and hardworking student who is a natural born teacher.”

Childress will graduate with an Associate in Arts degree next May and plans to continue her education at Murray State University’s new Paducah Regional Campus.

Student of the Month winners receive $100, a certificate of excellence, recognition on the WKCTC Facebook page, campus announcements, and Web site. Winners are also recognized by Pepsi MidAmerica, acknowledged in the Paducah Sun, and will receive one free month’s supply of their favorite Pepsi product.